Construction recovery rained-off in first quarter

Unusually wet weather in February and March shrank construction output in the first three months of the year, according to latest Government figures.
But a sharp rise of 16% in first quarter order figures raises hope of recovery ahead despite on-going uncertainty caused by a looming election.
In March, monthly construction output slid 0.4% in volume terms stemming from decreases in both new work (0.7% fall) and repair and maintenance (0.1% fall).At the sector level, while five out of the nine se